The condoning of vandalism aside, Richard Eddy has every right to express his opinion on the proposed second plaque for the Edward Colston statue.

What I object to, however, is his attempt to vilify anyone questioning Colston’s legacy as “non-Bristolian” (which is particularly ironic when you consider that Edward Colston himself was a Bristolian who chose to live in London).

It seems to suit Mr Eddy’s narrative to imply that anyone who challenges the accepted Colston story is an incoming, ignorant, left-wing historical revisionist, intent on mis-representing a version of Bristol’s past which has been sanctified by “true Bristolians”.

Edward Colston's statue (Image: Bristol Post)

I am a true Bristolian. And I am not left-wing (in fact, I’m too cynical about politics to be anything-wing). And yet, I agree with the principle and suggested wording of this second plaque.